SPANH Team

Dr. Anna Finley

Dr. Finley is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at NDSU since 2024 and director of the Social Psychology and Affective Neuroscience in Health Lab. She earned her Bachelors in Psychology and Statistics from the University of Wyoming and her Ph.D. from Texas A&M University before joining the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) Affective Neuroscience Project team as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her research aims to understand how cognitive and affective processes are connected and how they relate to well-being across the lifespan in diverse populations. In her free time, Dr. Finley enjoys cross stitching while watching movies, and loves exploring nature with her husband, daughter, and dog.

Office: 134D8 Minard Hall
Email: anna.finley@ndsu.edu

Jani Western

Graduate Student, SPANH lab member since 2025. Jani is a U.S. Army combat veteran and PhD student in Experimental Psychology at Dr. Anna Finley's SPANH lab at North Dakota State University. Additionally, she graduated with honors from North Dakota State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Biological Sciences before beginning her doctoral studies. Her research interests include how biological, cognitive, and emotional processes interact in trauma and resilience, with a focus on quality of life, wellness, and psychophysiological mechanisms in veteran populations. Jani's long-term goal is to bridge scientific research with real-world applications that improve recovery and well-being for individuals living with trauma. Outside of academia, Jani is an avid weightlifter and outdoor enthusiast who enjoys creating opportunities for veterans to connect through wellness, camaraderie, and community.

Amy Berg

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Student, SPANH lab member since 2025. Amy is an undergrad psychology student hoping to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology and eventually work as a clinical psychologist. Her current research interests include understanding the psychology of the adoptee experience i.e. racial discrimination and identity formation and learning more about gut health in relation to mental health. In her free time, she likes to hike, travel, experiment with fashion, and hang out with friends.

Glenelyn Andrin

SPANH Lab Member since 2025. Glenelyn is an undergraduate psychology major with double minors in chemistry and military science on the pre-dental track. She hopes to become a general dentist or periodontist and provide welcoming, accessible healthcare to her community. During her free time she enjoys hiking, traveling, exploring new foods, and spending time with friends and family.

Alexa Bendixen

SPANH lab member since 2025. Alexa is a freshman majoring in psychology and minoring in neuroscience with aspirations to be a neuropsychologist or something closely related. In her free time she enjoys reading, cycling, hammocking, and traveling! She is interested in learning more about trauma and its affect on brain development as well as degenerative diseases.

Jennifer Brudwick

NDSU Psychology Department Outstanding Junior Research Award 2025, SPANH lab member since 2025. Jennifer is an undergraduate student majoring in Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience and Human Development and Family Science (HDFS). She aspires to be a clinical psychologist specializing in both therapy and research. In her free time, Jennifer enjoy spending time with her family, being outdoors, and practicing martial arts.

Ethan Cox

SPANH lab member since 2025. Ethan is an undergraduate student majoring in psychology with minors in both criminal justice and neuroscience. He intends to pursue a graduate degree in clinical psychology. Ethan is interested in studying mental health, psychotherapy, and neuroscience. In his free time, Ethan enjoys cooking, music, and martial arts.

Hannah Johnson

SPANH Lab Member since 2025. Hannah is a psychology major with a minor in neuroscience. After NDSU, she plans to achieve a master’s in social work, concentrating on clinical mental health specifically for children. She then plans to get a certificate in sports social work, so she can pursue both sports and children’s clinical social work. In her free time, Hannah likes to exercise, hangout with friends and family, and read.

Russi Kermee

SPANH lab member since 2025. Russi is an undergrad in Psychology student, minoring in philosophy. She wants to pursue a career in Cognitive Behavior therapy or Counseling. Russi really likes fashion, going on walks, listening to music, watching video essays, and playing psychological horror video games.

Cora Larson

SPANH lab member since 2025. Cora is a psychology major with a double minor in business administration and human development and family sciences. After NDSU, she is hoping to obtain either a PhD or a PsyD in clinical psychology but is not sure exactly what she wants to do in the field yet. In her free time, Cora likes to golf, travel, and read.

Cherish Morin

SPANH lab member since 2025. Cherish is a Freshman studying Psychology with a minor in Neuroscience. In the future she wants to get a PhD in either developmental psychology or neuropsychology. She interested in research about how certain events effect the brain and its makeup. In her free time Cherish likes to read, play sudoku, go for walks, and play with her dogs.

Emily Wehri

SPANH lab member since 2025. Emily is a senior pursuing an undergraduate degree in Psychology with minors in Women and Gender Studies and Sociology. They hope to pursue a counseling degree following graduation. This is their second semester in the SPANH lab. In their free time, they enjoy playing video games and writing poetry.